Rhône Wines: Northern Rhône Syrah and Southern Rhône Blends from the Rhône Valley

Northern or Southern Rhône?

The short answer is one grape or many. In the cooler north, Syrah is the only red grape, grown on steep slopes above the river in Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Cornas, and on flatter terraces in Crozes-Hermitage. Condrieu makes rich white wine from Viognier.

The warmer south is wide and Mediterranean. Here most reds are blends led by Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, and the appellations range from Côtes du Rhône, which also covers the north, to crus such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Rasteau.

The most famous name of the south is Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of France's first appellations in 1936, where large round stones cover many vineyards and 13 grape varieties are allowed in the blend.

Rhône Syrah, Grenache and White Wines

Northern Rhône Syrah is savoury and peppery, with dark fruit, olive and violet. It is the same grape Australians know as Shiraz, usually in a leaner, more restrained style.

Southern reds are riper and rounder, with raspberry, spice and garrigue herbs. They are the model for Australian GSM blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

Rhône whites are full and textured. Viognier brings apricot and blossom, Marsanne and Roussanne add weight and nutty depth, and Grenache Blanc gives freshness. Compare them with our other styles of white wine.

Rhône Valley Wine Brands in Our Range

From the north come E. Guigal of Ampuis, famous for Côte-Rôtie, Paul Jaboulet Aîné, the name behind Hermitage La Chapelle, and Delas Frères, alongside Alain Voge and Domaine Cécillon in Cornas and Saint-Joseph.

The south is represented by the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel, who also make La Vieille Ferme, and by Domaine de Beaurenard, Clos St Jean, La Vieille Julienne and Maison Bouachon.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Rhône reds at 16 to 18 degrees and the whites lightly chilled. Syrah loves lamb and grilled meats, Grenache blends suit slow cooked stews and roast duck, and Viognier is lovely with spicy Asian dishes.

What Is a Rhône Wine? Your Questions, Answered

What is a Rhône wine?

It comes from the Rhône Valley in south eastern France. Reds from the north are made from Syrah, reds from the south are usually Grenache blends, and the whites include Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne.

Is Rhône wine dry or sweet?

Almost all Rhône wines are dry. The exceptions are the sweet fortified wines of Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise and Rasteau in the south.

What is the difference between Rhône and Burgundy wine?

The Rhône is warmer and further south, and its reds are made from Syrah and Grenache, so they are usually fuller and spicier. Burgundy reds are made from Pinot Noir and are lighter and more delicate.

Why Buy Rhône Valley Wine at YourWines?

From an easy drinking everyday red to a Hermitage for the cellar, you can buy Rhône wine online for every occasion and budget, alongside the rest of our French wine range.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas. For more classic reds, explore our French red wine.